Natalia Nagovitsyna, a 47-year-old climber, has been stranded since August 12 at an altitude of 7,000 meters on Peak Pobeda, the highest mountain in Kyrgyzstan and one of the most dangerous in the world. While descending, she suffered a broken leg that left her unable to move. Despite the best hopes, her story has turned into one of the most tragic in sports: though her rescue has been definitively canceled, the video of Natalia alive and trapped at the summit has shocked the internet and the entire world.
Timeline of Natalia Nagovitsyna’s Ordeal
Around August 10, Natalia began the climb up Peak Pobeda with a group of three other mountaineers—she was the only woman. The group reached the summit, but during their descent on August 12, she slipped and broke her leg, making it impossible to continue. Her teammates set up a tent for her and went to get help.
Before leaving, Roman, one of the climbers, gave Natalia first aid and secured her inside the small tent, though she had no radio communication. On August 13, two mountaineers, Luca Sinigaglia from Italy and Günther from Germany, managed to reach her and bring supplies, including a sleeping bag, gas tank, stove, and some food. However, they could not carry out a rescue. Tragically, during their descent, both men were trapped at around 6,000 meters. Luca died from frostbite and cerebral edema, while Günther barely survived.
By August 19, Natalia’s case had gained international attention. That day, a drone flew over the 7,000-meter altitude and recorded heartbreaking images: Natalia could be seen inside her tent, moving her hands and waving. She had survived seven days in extreme conditions—freezing winds, storms, and nights reaching -30°C.
On August 20, a four-person rescue team reached the base of Camp 2 on the mountain, but the harsh conditions of Peak Pobeda prevented them from climbing higher. Rescuers also explained that only a large-scale mission—at least 30 people—could bring Natalia down safely, given how deadly and complex the mountain is.
On August 22, Kyrgyz authorities temporarily suspended the search, stating they lacked the means to reach her. They noted that the only viable option was a helicopter, but the country did not have the aircraft required for such a nearly suicidal mission. At the same time, Natalia’s 27-year-old son, Mikhail Nagovitsyn, released the drone footage, pleading: “My mother is alive. Please don’t abandon her.”
A new rescue attempt was planned for August 25, but once again, extreme weather conditions made it impossible. Finally, on August 27, authorities announced that the search was officially called off. Despite the fact that Natalia was last seen alive, she will never make it down from the mountain.
Without a doubt, her case will remain one of the saddest stories in sports history. After 16 days, rescue teams have officially called off the search for the mountaineer who was last seen alive just days ago in drone footage. Now, Natalia will never make it down from the mountain.